An inter-provincial bus transporting passengers from Bangkok to the southern province of Songkhla crashed into a tree in the early hours of this morning, killing at least 14 people.
According to a report from Thai PBS World, the double-decker coach skidded off the road in the western province of Prachuap Khiri Khan, before ploughing into a tree. Along with the 14 confirmed fatalities, there are reports of many injured.
The Srisiam Tours coach was carrying 46 passengers and 3 staff members and travelling to the Nathawi district of Songkhla. It left the road near the Hatwanakorn National Park, at around 1.00am.
Police officer Arnon Tangto says an investigation into the tragedy is underway. According to the report, officers suspect the driver, who was seriously injured in the collision, may not have had enough sleep.
“We are collaborating with the hospital to check his blood alcohol level.”
Many passengers were trapped inside the coach following the accident and had to be pulled out by rescue workers. Injured passengers have been taken to Thap Sakae and Prachuap Khiri Khan hospitals.
The nationalities of all those who died have not yet been confirmed.
SOURCE: Thai PBS World
